This episode: Are we witnessing a Middle East cooldown—or just a pause between strikes? A new Western-friendly president in Syria sparks debate (plus, Garrett’s tinfoil theory you don’t want to miss).

Meanwhile, Firestorm Labs closes a $47M Series A and earns big love from the team for what could be a breakthrough in distributed, mobile drone manufacturing—giving warfighters the tools to innovate in the field.

We also break down the Hegseth Drone Memo, which could push real tactical autonomy down to O-6s, enable drone training centers, and shift Blue UAS oversight from DIU to DCMA. Will this decentralize innovation or create a Franken-force? And most importantly—will these commanders actually have any money?

Simon gives a Capitol Hill rundown, breaks down the latest from the NDAA and SPEED Act, and makes the case for why defense startups need someone fluent in the language of Congress.

Our Podcast:

National security, defense tech, and geopolitics—serious topics, but that doesn’t mean we have to be boring about it. The Goat Rodeo Podcast brings you three military veterans turned defense insiders, breaking down the biggest stories shaping the future of warfare. Expect sharp insights, unfiltered debates, and the occasional defense industry hot take—because let’s be honest, this space can be a total goat rodeo.

Listen on other platforms:

Spotify: shorturl.at/spotify-gr

Apple Podcasts: shorturl.at/apple-gr

YouTube: youtube.com/@GoatRodeoPodcast

This episode: Congress wants to slash requirement validation timelines from years to months. With the SPEED Act and a proposed RAPID directorate on the table, the DoD is eyeing an overhaul of its acquisition system, aiming to reduce the average 800-day process down to 90 days. The crew breaks down what these reforms could realistically change, where optimism collides with bureaucracy, and why even with RAPID’s proposed mandate, buying fast won’t be simple.

Meanwhile, Middle East tensions simmer as signals of potential normalization emerge alongside continued Houthi attacks on shipping, and Ukraine’s arms flow is paused and restarted in the same breath. NATO member countries are ramping up defense venture activity in response to increased spending commitments, but it remains a fraction of U.S. defense budgets.

Also: Simon watched Independence Day, Dave survived the boat parade, and Garrett calls out the gap between policy hype and delivery reality. Just another week on Goat Rodeo.

Our Podcast: National security, defense tech, and geopolitics—serious topics, but that doesn’t mean we have to be boring about it. The Goat Rodeo Podcast brings you three military veterans turned defense insiders, breaking down the biggest stories shaping the future of warfare. Expect sharp insights, unfiltered debates, and the occasional defense industry hot take—because let’s be honest, this space can be a total goat rodeo.

Listen on other platforms: Spotify: spoti.fi/3J1kGcO Apple Podcasts: apple.co/3IdB9gA YouTube: youtube.com/@GoatRodeoPodcast

This episode: As the kids take over at home, Congress is (maybe) passing one of the biggest defense budget bills in history. The crew unpacks the latest on the “Big Beautiful Bill,” the parliamentarian gutting it, and why reconciliation has never failed (until maybe now).

Dave breaks down a hidden gem in the bill: $690M for Budget Activity #9, aimed at counter-drone, drone effects, and electronic warfare. We dig into why this targeted funding is a better approach, and how it could give PEOs real flexibility to field capabilities faster.

Garrett offers an apology to FFRDCs, and the team debates why SBIR should focus less on phase 1s and 2s, and more on phase 3 transitions that actually deliver capabilities. Obviant gets a redemption arc, and we explore whether Ukraine, post-war, could become China’s top competitor in drone manufacturing, with hard-earned lessons in software, supply chain, and operational scaling.

Also, Simon is watching Love Island and Congress is chaos. A very Goat Rodeo week.

Our Podcast: National security, defense tech, and geopolitics—serious topics, but that doesn’t mean we have to be boring about it. The Goat Rodeo Podcast brings you three military veterans turned defense insiders, breaking down the biggest stories shaping the future of warfare. Expect sharp insights, unfiltered debates, and the occasional defense industry hot take—because let’s be honest, this space can be a total goat rodeo.

Listen on other platforms: Spotify: spoti.fi/3J1kGcO Apple Podcasts: apple.co/3IdB9gA YouTube: youtube.com/@GoatRodeoPodcast